Dave Thompson odds-on to become next West Midlands chief constable

West Midlands Police deputy chief constable Dave Thompson looks certain to become the force’s next chief constable following the retirement of Chris Sims.

Mr Thompson has been named preferred candidate for the top job by the police and crime commissioner David Jamieson.

His appointment is expected to be confirmed by the West Midlands police and crime panel on October 12.

A police spokesman said the decision followed a “rigorous” selection process by the PCC which began with members of the public contributing towards the job description and concluded with a two day assessment.

During the assessment the successful candidate was grilled by a group of the PCC’s youth commissioners and a citizens’ panel. Prior to this, the public were invited to put forward their views on the qualities they believe the next chief constable should demonstrate.

Mr Jamieson said:

David Thompson is an excellent police officer who I am delighted to announce as my preferred candidate to be the next chief constable of West Midlands Police. He is clearly the best person in the country for the post.

Mr Thompson said:

I am absolutely delighted to be the preferred candidate for the post of Chief Constable of West Midlands Police. I look forward to appearing before the panel’s confirmation hearing.

Mr Thompson has led the force’s programme of change since 2010. As the executive lead for the Innovation and Integration Partnership, he managed the processes that saw the force form a business partnership with Accenture.

The arrangement will play a fundamental role in shaping and delivering the WMP2020 programme over the next five years.

Nationally, Mr Thompson’s work has included:

Being the national lead and delivering strategy for gangs, the criminal use of firearms and the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS). NABIS play a key role in delivering forensic, tactical and strategic intelligence to tackle all aspects of firearms related criminality.

Chair of the Firearms Threat Group, which links the National Crime Agency, UK, European, and International police forces to tackle firearms criminality.

Between 2007 and 2010 Dave Thompson served as Assistant Chief Constable with Greater Manchester Police. In his role as ACC Security, he was responsible for counter terrorism, strategic partnerships and operational IT strategy.

Between 1999 and 2003 he led the policing of East Manchester and played a key part in the policing of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act, the PCC is responsible for appointing chief constables. Following the assessment, the PCC informs the police and crime panel of the preferred candidate. The panel must consider the appointment within three weeks and hold a confirmation hearing in public.

The panel will then give a view on whether or not the candidate should be appointed to the role. The panel has the power to veto the PCC’s choice, but there must be a two thirds majority of the panel to do so.